Mom finds relief with women's health therapy

During her second pregnancy, Chelsea Szczyrbak, of Cedar Falls, began experiencing daily sciatica pain. Sciatica is a pain that originates along the sciatic nerve, which extends from the back of the pelvis down the back of the thigh. For treatment, it was recommended that Chelsea see a physical therapist. Chelsea chose Ashley Appleman, a physical therapist at Waverly Health Center (WHC). Ashley specializes in women's health.

Like many women, Chelsea was not aware of the toll childbirth could take on her body. It wasn't until she started seeing Ashley that she realized there was help for women in both prenatal and postpartum care.

While in therapy, Chelsea learned about the free new moms screen offered by WHC and Taylor Physical Therapy. Many new moms find themselves wondering if they will always have an ache in their lower back, leak when they giggle or ever be able to get back to their usual exercise routine.

This free, non-invasive screen for women addresses their concerns and helps new moms regain control of their health and body again. During the screening, abdominal integrity, lower back/sacroiliac alignment, pelvic floor function and posture are assessed.

"Based on what we see," said Ashley, "we can recommend further treatment by a physical therapist or provide exercises for home if the weaknesses do not require further skilled physical therapy."

Women who deliver at WHC are offered the free screen during their hospital stay. The screening is also offered at WHC or any of Taylor Physical Therapy's locations (up to six months after delivery) including Denver, Nashua, Parkersburg and Sumner.

Chelsea started seeing Ashley during her second pregnancy and is now a mother of three children under the age of four. "Ashley taught me how to regain control of my health and body again," said Chelsea. "I highly recommend moms take advantage of the new mom screen."